re: "To Jo
why did you stop using a snap shakle?
what prolimit spreader bar do you use now?
the one which opens on the left side? Or the one which has a releasable hook?
andreas"
This is the bar I use
http://www.pro-limit.nl/2002/displayite ... tem_id=235
I got it after Dwight really recomended it for safety reasons. I stopped
using a snap shackle because when I got lofted I didn't have time to
release my snap shackle, so I rethought my whole safety strategy and decided that I didn't
like the idea of being even slightly permanently linked to a traction kite.
The thing with shackles is that you connect yourself to the kite before
launching right (you can aferwards, but how many of us do?) so from the moment the
kite leaves the ground to the moment it is in a safe position again (on the ground) you are
fixed to something that could very easily turn into a death trap if it gets
hit by a strong freak gust (which is what happened to me, I was standing in
the water launching and was ok but it got me thinking). Nearly all the bad
accidents happen on land, that's where all (or most) of the nasty hard stuff is right.
Using a snap shackle makes you feel safe but you won't have time to release
it until shit is already happening and you are on your way up the creek without the proverbial paddle.
Now what I do is fully depower the kite with the trim (I lengthened it to
have more trim range) and launch, land or do any other move just holding the bar
with my hands, gets nasty, let go and let the leash do its job (leash tangles are obviously no longer a prob either). I only hook
in to pick up my board and get going when the kite is pointing out to sea.
The prolimit spreader bar works great, you have all the advantages of a
quick release system but you can also hook out at will, and I think it
constantly reminds you of what you're doing, connecting your ass to a big (and potentially bad) traction
kite.
Only snags I've found so far is that the depower loop can get caught on the
release handle while hooking in, and some folks have said the depower falls
out sometimes but you just hook back in again.
This is just my opinion and how I reckon I'm safe, a lot of kiters way hotter and wiser than I use shackles or normal bars, I think each of us is the only one ultimately responsible for his or her own safety so it is a very personal thing no? , but let's consider this: no one windsurfing, not even a pro
would try a new or potentially dangerous move while being hooked to the sail
unless they had too of course, and a windsurf sail is hundreds of times
safer than a traction kite, so why are we all doing it?
The bar cost me 40 euro (about the same in USD should be)
Stay safe + have fun.
Jo